A Review on Medicinal Properties and Historical use of Reishi Mushroom

Review Article

Abstract

Mushrooms, terrestrial fungi with epigeous fruiting bodies, adopt a unique lifestyle due to their lack of chlorophyll, setting them apart from non-motile organisms like plants. Over time, mushrooms have played a significant role in human history as both a source of food and medicine. They are abundant in biologically active compounds and nutrients, finding applications in various fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and more. Mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), demonstrate diverse effects like immunomodulation and possess potential therapeutic properties, including antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antiparasitic activities. With a nutritive value falling between vegetables and meat, mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, making them a low-fat and low-calorie food choice. Ganoderma lucidum, in particular, is known to contain nearly 400 essential bioactive compounds, such as fatty acids, proteins/peptides, triterpenoids, nucleotides, sterols, polysaccharides, steroids, and trace elements, contributing to various pharmacological effects. The cultivation of Reishi mushrooms on stable mediums and solid substrates has become crucial to meet the demand in foreign markets. This article aims to highlight key aspects of Reishi mushrooms, emphasizing their bioconstituents and associated health benefits